Sdbot.HEF

It spreads and affects other computers.
It affects the productivity of the computer, the network to which it’s connected or other remote sites.
It carries out actions that decrease the security level of the computer.
It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user.
It spreads
by exploiting vulnerabilities, across the Internet, via IRC, via mapped drives, through shared network resources.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

April 28, 2006

Detection updated on:

April 28, 2006

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Sdbot.HEF is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

In the affected computer:
it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.

In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it opens one or more ports to allow remote access to the computer and takes action that compromises user confidentiality; it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC or FTP; it changes system permissions, decreasing the security level.

It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user:

It uses techniques included in its code to hide itself while it is active.

It injects itself in running processes.

Sdbot.HEF uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.

IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.